March arrives with blossoms on the cherry trees, changes at the markets, and cafy tables and chairs spilling out from the indoors onto the pavement under clear skies. The Mayles learn to rethink their previous notions of time, for it has less meaning in Provence than in other bustling parts of the world. The builders disappear, and without firm dates on when they will return, the homeowners decide to make the best of the situation and so begin to move their life outdoors. As they enjoy the time they spend around their pool, they continue to interact with and observe the neighbors.

Faustin decides to remove the melons in the field to replace them with more vines, after convincing the Mayles that this would be more profitable than putting up with the damage done to the melons by wild boars, which cut into profits. Massot decides to discourage...